Watchable Wildlife

Coconino County is part of a core planning team that values wildlife and supports a system of watchable wildlife sites. Check out these county parks and natural areas for watchable wildlife opportunities!

Download a flier before your visit.

Fort Tuthill County Park

Nestled in the cool Ponderosa pine forest 3 miles south of Flagstaff, the County's premier 633-acre regional park is open year-round as a recreation and watchable wildlife destination. In the summer, Fort Tuthill hosts a wide array of unique events and festivals, such as the Coconino County Fair and equestrian events, as well as concerts and music festivals. Park next to the bike park and access several miles of loop trails within the Park which offer opportunities for bird-watching and wildlife viewing.

View of San Francisco Peaks

Rogers Lake County Natural Area

Rogers Lake is a high-elevation wetland located southeast of Flagstaff. The area is important to numerous wildlife species. Embark on the multi-use trail system to enjoy views of the San Francisco Peaks and watch for wildlife: prairie dogs, bald eagles, elk, waterfowl, coyote, frogs and more!

Bird of Prey

A game camera at Rogers Lake County Natural Area caught a mother black bear and her two cubs frolicking in the water. Check out two short videos!

Pumphouse County Natural Area

One of the rarest wildlife habitats in Arizona, this 128-acre natural area is a spring-fed wetland. It attracts a wide variety of wildlife, including elk, fox, deer, waterfowl, wading birds, migratory birds, wintering bald eagles, elk, garter snakes, songbirds, and small mammals. Hike the Pumphouse Nature Trail, an easy ¾-mile round-trip trail with wildlife viewing blinds, stone benches and educational displays. Visitors should park at nearby Raymond County Park.

Canada Geese

View Kachina Wetlands Checklist of Birds provided by Northern Arizona Audubon Society.

Sawmill Multicultural Art & Nature County Park

Built on a "brownfield" where one of Flagstaff's first sawmills operated from 1908 to 1993, this site overlooks Sinclair Wash and offers 6 backyard habitat gardens that demonstrate the diversity attracted by native vegetation! Wildlife watchers are treated to hummingbirds and butterflies buzzing overhead, as well as raccoons, skunks and other small mammals who often visit the pond garden. On warm days, lizards and snakes can be seen sunbathing on rocks at the lizard garden! Stroll the trails and visit Willow Bend Environmental Education Center!

Lizard

These four sites are part of 30 watchable wildlife sites within 30 miles of Flagstaff!
For more information, wildlife news and resources, visit Arizona Watchable Wildlife Experience. 

Arizona Watchable Wildlife Experience

AZ Birding Trail

The Arizona Birding Trail is a cooperative effort among several agencies to identify birding sites and place them along "trails" which are grouped in different geographic areas within the state. This will be a great resource for birders in Arizona to find birding spots and to help them chase down that elusive species they have been trying to get.